Double Journal Entry Week #9

Internet & Anti-Social Behavior Theory Unfounded




Quote:




"First, internet users are relatively anonymous. Second, CMC is not face-to-face and therefore lacks the non-verbal features of communication such as tone of voice, facial expressions and other interpersonal features such as physical attractiveness. Much of the research in the CMC field explored how these two missing features affect social influence and interaction."

Reaction:

People are free to have opinions and be more open online than in any other form of social interaction. Because Internet users are somewhat anonymous, people have the freedom to share their opinions without being personally attacked or without the stigma of face to face confrontation. I believe that this helps individuals form stronger opinions and helps them define who they are as a person. When someone has the freedom to think and say what they want without repercussion they tend to become stronger individuals. Face to face interaction is however necessary in social interaction because we still live in a world where people need to know how to act in public. I'm just saying that I believe that the anonymity of being online can help people form opinions and express themselves in ways they wouldn't normally. The fact that physical attractiveness doesn't play a major role in online social interaction also helps people be more open online than they would in real life. This is especially true for teenagers. Teenagers can be mean and may not give someone who is deemed physically unattractive the time of day. But when this person is online they have people who will listen to them and allow them to express themselves. I believe the Internet can be a very valuable tool in helping people with social interaction.

Related Source:

https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/eamabry/www/course/com813/anstey3.htm

I like this website because it compares social relationships that are face to face verses those that are completely online.

Citation:

Owens, L. (2009, April 23). Internet & Anti-Social Behavior Theory Unfounded: Facebook, MySpace, Online: Research Refutes Cyber Socializing Fears | Suite101.com. Laura Owens | Suite101.com. Retrieved October 25, 2011, from http://laura-owens.suite101.com/internet--anti-social-behavior-theory-unfounded-a111897

 

Ansty, S. (n.d.). Module 3: On-Line Personal Relationships. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Retrieved October 25, 2011, from https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/eamabry/www/course/com813/anstey3.htm